Week 2. Day 3 – Prayers of the Wind

On Spirit. Above all. Through all. In all.

Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weakness;
 for we do not know how to pray as we ought,
 but that very Spirit intercedes
 with sighs too deep for words.
 Romans 8: 26 

I walk onto the battle ground, pulling my coat closer around me to guard against the cold spring air. I shiver as I look over the expanse of the fields where the battle of the Native People defending their way of life and Custer’s men who killed from hatred and power.  Markers reveal the place where each died – faded white monuments for the soldier and newer red ones for the warrior. 

I turn north and feel the Spirit of the harsh winds acknowledge the pain and turmoil of hate.  Colored red, bold and powerful, I hear the Spirit’s lament of the hardship of human struggle, despair and the division of race.  Together the wind and I cry out in rage.

I turn west and feel the Spirit wind of endings. In blackness, I look toward the setting sun, acknowledging lost love and the endings of life.  I hear the Spirit mourn for the meaningless killing of so many. Together the wind and I weep.

I turn south and feel the Spirit of warm winds shine into my face.  The white brightness remembers the growth of all things.  I hear the Spirit whisper a love growing stronger. Hate will not win. Together the wind and I wait.

I turn east and feel the Spirit of fresh winds bring promises of a new day.  The yellow of the dawn turns despair into understanding.  I hear the Spirit proclaim wisdom remembering the goodness of all creation.  Together the wind and I hope. 

Breathprayer:

              Breathing in:   Holy Spirit…

Breathing out: …sustaining us all.

Reflection:   Black Elk, a Native American Christian, experienced the Holy Spirit active within the wind. Each direction – east, west, north and south – carries a symbolic message.  When have you experience the Spirit of God speaking within forces of nature?

This reflection is written for the Online Lenten Devotion of the Southeast Iowa Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

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